Start with your market
The right grade is the one that supports the market position of the collection.
Grade A — Premium
Choose this direction when the buyer’s priority is higher-end positioning and a stronger durability focus.
Grade B — Commercial
Choose this direction when the buyer needs a balanced relationship between quality, durability and price.
Grade C — Value
Choose this direction when cost efficiency, volume and price competitiveness are the primary commercial drivers.
Think about the economics
A wholesale buyer should consider not only purchase price, but also:
- expected selling position
- customer expectations
- product life expectations
- volume
- margin target
- project requirements
Don’t choose by letter alone
The letter should be treated as part of a broader agreed specification. Ask the manufacturer to confirm what the selected grade means for the specific product and quotation.
When you are unsure
Provide the target market, product list, quantity and intended use. The manufacturer can then recommend a commercially appropriate grade direction.
Read Teak Furniture Grades Explained and review our Wholesale approach.
Grade labels are not the whole specification
A/B/C labels can be used differently by suppliers. For a B2B buyer, the useful question is not only “Which grade is this?” but “What value and specification does this grade represent for my market?”
Grade A — Premium
Buyer value: higher-end positioning and a stronger durability focus.
This can suit premium hospitality, high-end retail or projects where material selection and product positioning are important.
Grade B — Commercial
Buyer value: a practical balance between quality, durability and price.
This is often the most commercially useful positioning when a buyer needs a strong product proposition without moving all the way to a premium price position.
Grade C — Value
Buyer value: cost efficiency for volume or price-sensitive programs.
This can suit collections where competitive initial cost and volume economics are more important than premium positioning.
The right grade depends on the business
Consider:
- target customer
- expected use
- retail / project positioning
- target price
- volume
- appearance expectations
- required specification
Not sure?
The buyer does not need to guess.
Not Sure — Recommend for me should be available in the RFQ/product journey so the manufacturer can recommend a suitable option based on the actual requirement.
Ask for the specification
A grade label should be accompanied by an agreed product and material specification for the quotation.
Review Wholesale and our Manufacturer approach.